The Story of Gather: A Step of Faith, A Community Coming Together

At the end of April, I received a phone call from the City of Ramsey that I will never forget. It was the kind of call that makes you pause, pray, and ask, “Lord, are You really opening this door?”

Gather had been a dream — a vision of creating a place where people could come together, where relationships could be built, where local gifts and talents could be shared, and where our community could experience connection in a meaningful way. But when this opportunity came, we didn’t have all the answers, the funding secured, or every detail figured out. What we did have was faith, a clear calling, and a willingness to take the next step.

Over the past few months, we have watched God bring together an incredible group of people around this vision. Community members have prayed, shared encouragement, written letters of support, and stepped forward to say, “We believe in this.” Local leaders, businesses, schools, churches, and neighbors have reminded us that Gather is not just a building — it is about people and the relationships that make a community stronger.

On July 14, 2026, after months of prayer, preparation, and taking one faithful step at a time, the Ramsey City Council unanimously approved Gather and awarded $250,000 in Local Affordable Housing Aid funding. As I sat in that room and listened to the support from each council member, I was reminded that this journey has never been about what we could accomplish on our own. It has been about trusting God’s timing and watching what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision.

And this is only the beginning.

Gather still needs people who believe in the power of community. We need neighbors, volunteers, partners, builders, creatives, businesses, and people who simply want to be part of something that brings hope and connection to our community. There is a place for everyone in this story.

Thank you to every person who has prayed, encouraged, shown up, and believed alongside us. We cannot wait to see what happens when we continue to Gather.

– Melinda McDermott, Founder of Elevate Hope House